2In large bowl, make batter for both cake mixes as directed on boxes. (Two boxes of cake batter can be made at one time; do not make more than 2 boxes, and do not increase beating time.) Pour 3 3/4 cups batter into 1 1/2-quart bowl. Pour 2 1/2 cups batter in each cake pan. Divide remaining cake batter between 2 muffin cups, filling two-thirds full.

4Place one 8-inch cake on serving plate; spread 1/3 cup chocolate frosting over top. Top with bowl cake layer, cut side down. Use photo as a guide to cut remaining 8-inch cake into owl's head and wings. Use 2 skewers inserted through cake layers at ears to keep head up. Press cut wing shapes against the body. Spread thin layer of chocolate frosting over sides and top of layered cake to seal in crumbs. Freeze cake 30 to 45 minutes to set frosting.

5Spoon 1/4 cup vanilla frosting into small bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons chocolate frosting to make light brown. Spread over belly area of owl cake with downward strokes to make ruffled look. Twist creme-filled chocolate cookies open, leaving creme on one side of each. Discard remaining sides. Press 2 cookies onto owl cake to make eyes. Press 1 brown peanut butter candy on each cookie to make pupil. Place banana-shaped hard candies on base of owl body to make feet. Flatten banana-shaped taffy candy; cut into 2 large triangles, and press onto owl's face to make beak.

6To make baby owls, frost cupcakes with chocolate frosting, making slight peaks for horns. Press 2 chocolate cookies on each cupcake to make eyes. Press 1 brown peanut butter candy on each cookie to make pupil. Add 1 orange peanut butter candy to each to make nose. Remove toothpicks before serving. Store loosely covered.

Expert Tips

Do you need to bake cake layers in batches? Just cover and refrigerate batter in the mixing bowl while the first batch is baking. An extra minute or two for baking the second batch may be needed.